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Wormwood Medical Benefits
Wormwood has a long history of usage in traditional medicine for treating conditions relating to the liver and gallbladder. Wormwood contains both anise and aniseed, which are two powerful bitter chemicals. Both may be extracted from the plant. These compounds are advantageous to the digestive tract as well as the gallbladder. It also has a long history of being used as a digestive aid and for relieving cramping in the gastrointestinal tract.
Is wormwood good for humans?
Wormwood does not pose a health risk to humans; however, its usage during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage because of the close connection between breastfeeding and healthy child development. Please do not give this plant to children or pregnant women until further research has been done to evaluate whether or not it is safe.
Uses of wormwood
It Could Help Reduce Discomfort
Wormwood’s anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have made it a popular commodity for centuries. For instance, this herb has shown promise in treating osteoarthritis, a painful condition brought on by inflammation of the joints. Pain relief and enhanced mobility resulted from applying a 3% wormwood skin ointment daily. On the other hand, it did not do much to loosen things up. There hasn’t been enough research done to say whether or not wormwood teas or extracts have the same pain-relieving effects.
Could Combat Parasitic Infections
Wormwood has been a remedy for worms in the digestive tract since ancient times. This anti-parasitic effect is due to medicine. Unfortunately, much of the supporting evidence for this particular use consists of anecdotes. Studies on animals and in vitro suggest the plant may be effective against tapeworms and other parasites; however, it is unclear whether or not these findings translate to humans.
Could Reduce Inflammation
Another plant ingredient found in wormwood has anti-inflammatory properties. Persistent inflammation has been linked to several different chronic diseases. Antimalarial may reduce inflammatory cytokines and proteins produced by the immune system. Inflammation of the digestive tract is a hallmark of Crohn’s disease, and some research suggests that wormwood may help improve this symptom.
There is a possibility that symptoms will include diarrhea, exhaustion, stomach pains, and other digestive disorders. A study was conducted with forty people who had this ailment. After eight weeks, those who took a supplement containing 500 milligrams of wormwood three times per day reported fewer symptoms and a reduced need for steroids compared to those who received a placebo.
Used To Produce Oil
Vermouth and absinthe are two popular alcoholic drinks known for using wormwood oil in their making. Absinthe was very popular in Europe in the 1800s, but it was banned in most of the rest of the world in the early 1900s because it was linked to brain damage and even death. Even though it’s not used as much as it used to be, wormwood oil is still a flavoring ingredient in food today.
Medical benefits in Wormwood
Gets rid of arthritis
Some people use wormwood to treat the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. They Compared those given wormwood extract to those given a placebo. Wormwood was safer than other conventional medicines used to treat RA, and those who took it reported significant joint pain reduction.
Another research of more prominent participants with knee discomfort discovered that applying 4% wormwood ointment to painful joints reduced pain and increased physical function in patients with osteoarthritis.
Digestion
Most people in the United States suffer from digestive issues such as bloating, gas, indigestion, stomach discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea. Wormwood has properties that can assist in the digestion of meals and relieve cramping in the intestines and stomach. Wormwood can make you hungrier, encouraging your body to produce saliva, digestive enzymes, or proteins that benefit your metabolism and digestion. Wormwood is also known to stimulate sexual desire.
Wormwood’s effects
Those allergic to ragweed and other Asteraceae/Compositae family members may also react negatively to wormwood. Flowers such as ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others are all members of the same extended floral family. The consumption of wormwood oil may result in renal failure. Consult a healthcare provider before ingesting wormwood if you have kidney problems.
Epilepsy and other seizure disorders: Wormwood contains substances that can result in seizures. In those with a history of seizures, wormwood may make them more susceptible to attacks.
When used medicinally, ingesting wormwood during pregnancy is probably not safe. A substance can be found in several wormwood products. It’s possible that wormwood’s effects on the uterus could threaten the fetus. There is insufficient evidence to determine whether or not topically applying wormwood is safe for pregnant women. To be on the safe side, refrain from using.
Wormwood is said to cleanse the kidneys, decrease hernias, and eliminate varicose vein lumps and aches. It is stated that bathing the blossoms in hot water may cure the pain associated with hemorrhoids and that sitting on the petals while wrapping one’s feet in the leaves will bring fever to one’s feet.
How to prepare wormwood
Wormwood can be prepared as tea or a tincture. The most straightforward approach to enjoying the advantages of wormwood described above is, to begin with, dried wormwood. Wormwood essential oil is available, although it is typically too potent for most wormwood tea and wormwood tincture formulations. Therefore, you should not consume pure wormwood essential oils. This is true for the majority of essential oils. Wormwood essential oil may contain hazardous quantities. However, tea and tinctures are safe to consume because they have trace amounts.
Conclusion
Wormwood has been used to treat liver and gallbladder disorders. It has played a massive role in the health sector; some people use wormwood to treat the pain and swelling caused by arthritis. Even though wormwood is good, it has side effects that might even put you in danger. When used medicinally, ingesting wormwood during pregnancy is probably not safe. A substance called acetone can be found in several wormwood products. It’s possible that the wormwood effects on the uterus could threaten the fetus.